Syracuse, N.Y. -- Central New Yorkers with prescriptions for Vicodin and other painkillers containing hydrocodone will not be able to get them refilled starting today unless they go to their doctor for a new prescription.

The change is required by the state’s new I STOP law, designed to curb prescription painkiller abuse and addiction.

A reader says the new rule is creating hassles for chronic pain patients like her who take prescription painkillers responsibly. I’ve received several thoughtful letters and emails from this reader since I wrote a series of stories last year about the epidemic of painkiller abuse in Central New York. She has serious back pain and says she has tried numerous costly pain treatments, none of which have worked.

For several years she’s been taking prescription painkillers, which she says relieve her constant, gnawing pain and allow her to work and function somewhat normally. She does not want to be identified because she’s afraid burglars seeking drugs will target her home. She sent me an email Friday, explaining how the new law is affecting her. With her permission, I’m sharing excerpts from her email to present another perspective on this issue.

“I visited my doctor yesterday and then made appointments for every 29 days in order to get my prescriptions. Well, there is one period that she will be on vacation. That means I will have almost two weeks unable to get a prescription as one runs out. I am hopeful that NYS will clarify that in such instances, post-dated prescriptions are acceptable. Nonetheless, at this moment, no one is willing to consider doing so. I talked to my doctor as well as the pharmacist. An abundance of over caution is in operation for sure. Try living with untreated pain for two weeks!

“Another issue of concern is that many chronic pain patients, able to work productively as a result of opiods (painkillers), travel. In the past, we had some flexibility to accommodate the travel schedule to ensure we would not run out. Sure, anyone can play the system and start writing prescriptions at varying dosages in order to put a “new” prescription on file. That is not completely honest though and could trigger notice by enforcement officials. It could tempt people to stop in urgent care facilities in other states simply to get their medication needs met.

“I fully comprehend the dangers of narcotic medication. I am as concerned as anyone about abuse, misuse and diversion. I fear that many who need will now be in a bind. Or they will forgo other medical needs as they prioritize the costs associated with treatment for pain.

“I am honestly not an extremist. I just see a lot of potential problems with this legislation.”